Untitled (Construction of Commemorative Fountain)

1856

From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art

Impressionism Realism Early 19th Century

Dominant colour

Untitled (Construction of Commemorative Fountain) is a 1856 by Louis Pierre Théophile Dubois de Nehaut, a Impressionism work, held at Cleveland Museum of Art.

Who painted this?: Louis Pierre Théophile Dubois de Nehaut
When & what style?: 1856 · Impressionism
Where can I see it?: Cleveland Museum of Art

About this work

This black-and-white scene shows a busy square with a large, ornate building in the background. The building has tall windows, fancy carvings, and a balcony with statues. In the center stands a big fountain under construction, with a statue on top and workers around it. Below, a crowd sits at outdoor tables, eating and talking. The fountain’s construction hints at a city celebrating something important. The mix of daily life and grand architecture suggests this was a public space meant for gatherings. Next, check out Realism to see how artists captured everyday scenes like this.